X Games preps underway, more than 100,000 expected to attend

Starting this Thursday the best skateboarders, BMX racers and motocross drivers will be stunning audiences at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Author:
Gordon Severson

Published:
6:05 PM CDT July 10, 2017

Updated:
5:49 PM CDT July 11, 2017

MINNEAPOLIS - The home of the Vikings is playing host to the world's greatest extreme athletes this week.

Starting this Thursday the best skateboarders, BMX racers and motocross drivers will be stunning audiences at U.S. Bank Stadium.

"We don't have to worry about the weather, which is a nice thing," says X Games Director of Event Development Ryan McGuinness.

The domed stadium was the biggest draw for event organizers, but McGuinness says they were also excited about hosting the event in the Midwest for the first time.

"We want to be able to get our brand out there to as many markets as possible. I think this will draw out some people regionally," McGuinness explains.

The event is expected to bring in close to 100,000 people, according to Meet Minneapolis, an association created to attract conventions and events to the Twin Cities.

An additional 1,600 people will work the event.

"This event is also going to be broadcast around the world on a number of platforms, probably reaching something like 400 million homes. It's a great exposure opportunity for us," Meet Minneapolis President Melvin Tennant says.

Besides the domed stadium, Tennant says the compact nature of the city is also a draw for events like the X Games. He calls it a "compact urban experience" that provides easy access to hotels and restaurants.

"The overall ease of doing business, the compact nature of the city, there are a lot of things that really work in our favor," Tennant explains.

Another perk of the location is having the Hennepin County Medical Center right across the street. Being an extreme sporting event, officials say there's a strong likelihood for injuries.